Our Story
We are Cox Mazda
Our Story
The Cox family according to family lore has been in the automobile business since the early 1900’s. During the teens and twenties they operated a Ford franchise in Ocilla, Georgia. During the boom years of the Roaring Twenties they moved to Avon Park, Florida where they operated a Dodge dealership. Cox Chevrolet, Inc. has a long and interesting history.Our dealership began in 1926 as two separate dealerships; one was located in Ocilla, Georgia and run by Mr. J.P. Cox, the other dealership was in Tifton, Georgia run by Mr. J.O. Cox, Sr. In 1932 both dealerships were sold and the father and son joined together to form one dealership in Bradenton, Florida. At that time, Mr. J.P. Cox was the dealer.In 1938 Mr. J.P. Cox passes away and his son, Mr. J.O. Cox, Sr. became the dealer. When Mr. J.O. Cox, Jr. returned from military service in 1945, he became the dealer.
Cox Mazda has continued to grow over the years, and in 1978, the existing facility on Cortez Road was opened to meet the company’s and customer’s expanding needs. Despite growth and expansion, one piece has remained constant: the Cox family name. J.O. Cox Jr.’s sons Steve Cox and Gary R. Cox took over operations around 1986, but the reins have since been handed down to their children, the 5th generation in the business. Kelly Cox has become the general manager of Cox Mazda, with Kyle Cox, Jen Cox-Lipsey, and Jay Cox running the Cox dealerships as partial owners. Kris Cox serves as President and CEO and Tammy Cox-Leavell as Vice President and CFO. Of course, Steve and Gary Cox haven’t yet made their exits at the company and continue to assist wherever needed.
Three Generations of Cox Family – The 4th, 5th and 6th.
Cox Dealership as it looked in the 1940’s. Bradenton, FL
OUR DEPARTMENTS
100 Years Of Cox MAZDA
In 2026, Cox Mazda marks a century in business. For 100 years, we’ve been serving, supporting, and standing alongside our Sarasota neighbors, since our founding in 1926.
So what keeps a dealership going strong for a full century? It comes down to three things: family values, deep community roots, and lasting customer relationships. Explore what makes us different below, then contact us online or call (941) 749-2790 to see it for yourself.
Family Values
When J.P. Cox opened our first dealership in 1926, he set a standard the family has followed ever since: know each other’s strengths, lean on them, and always put the customer first. That approach has guided every generation of the Cox family and shaped the car-buying experience for drivers across the Tampa area. And nobody gets a free pass because of their last name. Every family member earns their place, whether that means changing oil or working the front desk.
Customer Relationships
Our dedication to doing things right has earned us something money can’t buy: trust that spans generations. We’ve helped the same Bradenton families with their vehicles for decades. Some of our customers even stop by just to say hello and spend time in our showroom.
That kind of loyalty is possible because we’ve remained family-owned across five generations. This generation also welcomes the first women in the Cox family business, and they certainly won’t be the last.
Community Involvement
Cox Chevrolet doesn’t just do business in the community; we’re active in the community. From financial contributions to hands-on volunteering, we proudly support local organizations, schools, churches, kids’ leagues, charities, and law enforcement throughout the area.
That’s why longtime residents regularly recommend us to newcomers. Whether someone in the Palmetto area is celebrating a new car purchase or working through unexpected vehicle repairs, they know they can count on Cox.
The Next 100 Years
A century of business doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on values, commitment, and genuine care for the people around you. We’re proud to be your Chevy dealership, and we’re just getting started. Here’s to serving you, your children, and your grandchildren over the next 100 years.